Correlation between Infill Percentages, Layer Width, and Mechanical Properties in Fused Deposition Modelling of Poly-Lactic Acid 3D Printing

Abstract

The field of additive manufacturing (AM) has seen a transformation in the production of intricate and complex parts for various applications. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), among AM techniques, has garnered significant attention, particularly in fields like fibre-reinforced composites (FRC). In this study, the world of FDM-printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) components is explored, with a focus on how mechanical properties are influenced by infill percentages and layer widths. Through the utilisation of Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the optimisation of FDM-PLA 3D printing for a wide range of biomaterial applications is achieved, along with the unveiling of the potential for remarkable improvements in mechanical performance. Notably, a remarkable 91% reduction in surface roughness for PLA composites was achieved, accompanied by an impressive 25.6% and 34.1% enhancement in the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of fibre-reinforced PLA composites, respectively. This work, positioned at the crossroads of FDM, lays the groundwork for substantial advancements in the realm of additive manufacturing.